On Wednesday, August 13th, Priority-1 hosted their Inaugural Legislative Breakfast at the Lawrence Country Club.  This event educated legislators about youth who are “at-risk” of dropping out of high school and ultimately becoming alienated from their families and their communities, and raised support and awareness about the challenges facing “at-risk” youth through effective public policy and legislation. In addition, communal, civic and religious leaders, community philanthropists, and elected officials attended in order to pay tribute to these elected officials who recognize the invaluable role that Priority-1 has played in ensuring the social rehabilitation and eventual success of numerous young people within the wider Jewish Community.

The breakfast paid tribute to numerous individuals who have helped to ensure the continued success of Priority-1. William E. Rapfogel, CEO of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty served as the Master of Ceremonies at the event. Priority-1 founder Rabbi Shaya Cohen opened the event by addressing and welcoming all the attendants.

Elected officials were presented with awards to acknowledge their dedication to the ideals of Priority-1. Michael Tobman, Principal at Hudson TG presented the State Leadership Award to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. New York State Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos received the Legislative Leadership award from Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz, Executive Director of Lifetech learning center. Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi was given the Nassau County Leadership Award by the Priority-1 Board President David Devor. The National Leadership Award was presented to Congressman Steve Israel by Rabbi Yitzchok Knobel, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns.  The Priority-1 Appreciation Award was given to Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, Chairman of the New York State Assembly Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. Barry Wilansky, the Executive Director of the Tempo Group was presented the Pioneer in Crisis Intervention Award by Rabbi Shaya Cohen.

Remarks at the breakfast were delivered by Nassau County Comptroller Howard S. Weitzman. Greetings were delivered by County Legislator Judi Bosworth, County Legislator Roger H. Corbin, County Legislator David Denenberg, County Legislator David Mejias, and County Legislator Jeffrey Toback.

Priority-1 Founder, Rabbi Shaya Cohen expressed his feelings about the success of the breakfast: “I was gratified by the sense of passion and eagerness all the participants at the breakfast showed to the issues of youth “at risk”. After seeing the sincerity of the feelings, from the elected officials to every participant at the breakfast, I can only begin to imagine the advancements that will come forth as a result of this event.”

Founded in 1987, Priority-1 offers a number of programs that address the personal issues facing these troubled teenagers and enable them to turn their lives around, so they can successfully complete their education and become productive members of society.

Priority-1 consists of several distinct components that together provide a comprehensive focus on the singular challenges facing “at-risk” youth. Serving students who struggle with emotional and educational issues such as substance abuse, psychological disorders and learning disabilities, its Alternative High School features specially trained staff, a high teacher/student ratio, and a therapeutic environment that guides the youngsters to overcome their difficulties and continue on to higher education. Priority-1’s Crisis Intervention Service provides free counseling services by highly trained professionals for parents, teachers and students, thereby both mitigating problematic behavior and preventing the development of new personal issues. The organization’s Teacher and Parent Training Institutes present seminars that train educators and parents to prevent, detect and effectively intervene when youth are faced with challenges that lead to estrangement from their peers.